Prevalence of VSCs and Efficacy of Ozone to Reduce VSCs

Volatile Sulphur Compounds (VSCs) can be produced by the action of the oral flora on sulphur containing protein residues. The detection of these VSCs strongly contributes to the perception of oral malodour. This socially distressing condition has been reported by some authors as having a prevalence of up to fifty percent. VSCs can be detected by portable sulphide monitors. Objectives: The aim of this study was to measure the levels of VSCs in dental patients attending a dental practice in London, UK, and to do a pilot study on the effect on these levels of an aqueous ozone rinse. Methods: A total of 76 adult volunteers, who were patients at an English dental clinic, were tested. In this study a Halimeter (Interscan Corporation, Chatsworth CA) was used in accordance to the manufacturers operating instructions. Previous studies have used differing levels of VSCs to define the condition including up to and over 50 ppb, over 100ppb, and over 125ppb. Results: The mean (SD) VSC level in this study was 34 (33.4) (range 2-166). Two participants (2.6%) had a VSC level over 125ppb, six (7.9%) had a level of 100ppb or more, 14 (18.4%) had a level of 50 or more. Participants with elevated levels were retested after rinsing with an aqueous ozone solution produced by a specially designed ozone generator, TherOzone (TherOzone LLC, Santa Monica, CA). Measurements were repeated immediately following rinsing twice for 10 seconds with a 20ml solution of the aqueous ozone. In this group the pre rinse mean (SD) was 118 (30.8) ppb VSC which reduced to a mean (SD) of 33 (24.2) after rinsing (P<0.05). Conclusions: The prevalence of oral malodour may be lower in regular dental attendees than has been reported in the literature and an aqueous ozone rinse may reduce VSC levels.